He has called upon the BBC to create more black dramas, claiming that ethnic minorities are not fairly represented on British television.

During his speech at the annual Bafta Television Lecture, the 55-year-old said: "What is going on? This is 2014."

"The evolution of black and ethnic minority involvement in British drama seems to lurch one step forward and two steps back, a bit like John Sergeant in Strictly Come Dancing. Except he had a job at the end!"

The comic says that shows like Broadchurch are 'too white' [ITV]

Although making a serious point, Mr Henry couldn't resist throwing in a few laughs.

He joked: "In Broadchurch, at least the boyfriend of the deceased is mixed race, so there's someone in there."

"Mrs Brown's Boys. The Irish, an ethnic minority transvestite. I guess that counts."

He claimed that Britain's rising black stars were heading across the Atlantic to secure work in television and film.

"Since 2008 I've noticed a worrying trend. Our most talented black and minority ethnic actors are increasingly frustrated and they have to go to America to succeed."

He also claimed that the UK were losing black talent like Idris Elba to Stateside TV shows and films [GETTY]

The comedian highlighted his point with a list: "You know who I'm talking about; David Oyelowo in The Butler, Idris Elba in Long Walk To Freedom, Prometheus and The Wire, Thandie Newton in Crash and Mission Impossible, Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years A Slave, David Harewood in Homeland."

The evolution of black and ethnic minority involvement in British drama seems to lurch one step forward and two steps back

Lenny Henry

After leaving behind a career as a stand-up comic, Lenny Henry ventured into the world of acting and directing.

Mr Henry implored the BBC set aside a budget for black dramas, suggesting that at least half of the production staff or half of the on-screen talent are either black, Asian or from an ethnic minority.

He said that increasingly strict guidelines would force the BBC to employ more black talent.